Las Cruces Man, 25, Booked on Felony Animal Cruelty Charges

Allegedly... Rudy Esteban Baca, 25, of Las Cruces, was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center on April 15, 2026. He faces two felony counts of cruelty to animals following an arrest at a residence on Moonriver Loop. Baca is currently being held without bond under booking number 2600002846. According to news reports, the charges stem from an incident where Baca allegedly harmed his mother’s dogs. Court and news records indicate the arrest followed a reported mental health crisis during which the animals were mistreated, an event that was reportedly captured on video. The charges are allegations, and Baca is presumed innocent unless and until a court finds otherwise.